Wed Oct 30 13:20:19 UTC 2024: ## PMJAY Expansion: Healthcare Experts Hail Coverage for Seniors
The Indian government’s recent announcement to extend the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) health coverage to all citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income, has been met with widespread praise from healthcare experts.
Experts believe this initiative will significantly improve access to advanced treatment for senior citizens, who often face financial barriers in accessing quality healthcare.
**”The announcement of health cover is a significant enabler…,”** said Dr. Manisha Karmarkar, CEO of DPU Super Specialty Hospital, highlighting the impact on affordability.
Prabhat Srivastava, Founder of VitusCare, sees the expansion as a “transformative enhancement” in healthcare access, particularly for elderly individuals needing dialysis and other vital treatments.
Abhay Soi, President of NATHEALTH, lauded the move as a “pivotal step in elder care,” emphasizing the need for enhanced healthcare access for this vulnerable demographic.
Joydeep Ghosh, Partner at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP, believes the expansion will expedite the adoption of PMJAY by the most vulnerable segment of society, effectively strengthening the nation’s social infrastructure.
The extension of PMJAY to include all seniors represents a significant stride towards achieving universal healthcare coverage in India. It is expected to create a positive impact on the health and well-being of the elderly population, enabling them to access the care they need.
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